The Lib Dems have unveiled an effective five point plan to tackle crime in the local area:

1) More police on patrol - don't waste billions on ID Cards

2) Take back our Town Centres - let communities close pubs and clubs that cause trouble.

3) Make sentences mean what they say - Life should mean life

4) Compulsory work and training in prison - to cut re-offending

5) Better compensation for victims - paid for by prison work

Speaking in support of the national campaign Mark said:

"We can cut crime' is a national Liberal Democrat campaign that we believe can bring effective solutions to the problem of crime here in the Cheadle Constituency. Labour have been in power nationally for ten years, but just haven't managed to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.

"We don't need more tough talk and spin, we need effective action on crime. That is what this campaign is all about - effective action. Not tough words that sound good on the television. We have five simple steps that could really make a difference in our area.

In support of this campaign Mark is organising "crime street stalls" on Saturday 3rd February in Bramhall, Cheadle and Cheadle Hulme. Here residents will have the chance to work together to reduce crime by signing Mark's petition to increase police funding for Greater Manchester. Residents will also be able to pick up useful information on how they can help cut crime in Cheadle, and to talk to Mark and local Councillors about the crime campaign.

Mark also continues to campaign on the funding crisis facing the Greater Manchester Police, and spoke out about it on the BBC TV's 'The Politics Show' last Sunday (21st January 2007). In response to the overwhelming support for Mark's police petition, which has received over 1,000 signatures so far, Mark has again written to John Reid asking for an urgent meeting to discuss ways of resolving this funding crisis. Mark and John Leech, the MP for Manchester Withington also called for a Westminster Hall Debate to bring this matter to the Governments attention. This debate took place today (Tuesday 23rd January), where Police Minister Tony McNulty was called upon to answer for the Government's under-funding of the GMP.

Mark is also planning to ask a Prime Minister's Question about the £27 million funding shortfall facing Greater Manchester Police over the next two years, in an attempt to highlight the continued reduction of police numbers in the Cheadle constituency.

Speaking on this matter, Mark said "This funding shortfall, unless remedied, will undoubtedly lead to further cuts in local policing. This situation is appalling, as it is only an effective local police presence that will help to deter crime and reduce antisocial behaviour. We need more bobbies on the beat, not less, and I will continue to work doggedly to ensure that the Home Office gives the Greater Manchester Police the money needed to ensure that the people of Cheadle have the local police presence they expect and deserve."

For more details of the Liberal Democrats effective proposals to tackle crime visit www.wecancutcrime.com